Outlook: Maplewood had another winning season last fall as the Tigers won six games. The Tigers return five starters on both sides of the ball as they look for another solid season.

Maplewood will have to replace Nick and Zack Atha and Brett Bowes on the line along with Jeb Parker at tight end and linebacker. The Tigers are also without wide receivers/defensive backs Jacob Roser, Dylan Proper and Raheem Young, along with running backs Mark Crago and Kor-jonn Henderson. Crago ran for four touchdowns and Henderson ran for six. Young led Maplewood in receiving with 31 catches for 440 yards and four touchdowns, while Roser caught 27 passes for 517 yards and five touchdowns.

Maplewood returns prolific passer J.D. McFadden, who threw for 1,710 yards and 16 touchdowns and led the Tigers in rushing with 680 yards and nine touchdowns. Chevy Blake ran for 630 yards and six touchdowns last year and will be the lead back, while Camron Bienio is back at wide receiver. Jordan Hollabaugh is back at tight end and Bryan Kelly returns on the line. Hollabaugh and Kelly return on the defensive line with Blake at linebacker and McFadden and Bienio in the secondary.

The Tigers also have a strong up-and-coming group that could contribute right away, including Shawn Weigle, Joey King, Steve Heme, Matt Neidbala and Logan Churchill on the line, Kaleb Donor at running back and linebacker and Jess McFadden at running back, wide receiver and linebacker.

When Maplewood allowed 26 points or less, it was 5-0. The Tigers have a leader in JD McFadden and several playmakers back, but replacing their receivers and most of the line will be a challenge. Maplewood has developed into a program that competes each year no matter who graduates and the Tigers moved down to Class 1A in the offseason. Maplewood has a challenging schedule, and the first half could indicate where the Tigers end up this season. Maplewood gets interesting non-region games against Lakeview, West Middlesex and Reynolds as well as region road trips to Cambridge Springs and Union City and a home opener with Cochranton.